On August 11, 2026, Tameka Latoya Dandridge peacefully transitioned from this earthly life, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, love, service, and unforgettable memories.
Tameka was born on September 9, 1982, to Howard Dandridge III and Annette Mason. From an early age, Tameka possessed a loving heart, a strong personality, and a genuine concern for the people around her. Those qualities would remain evident throughout her life as she became a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and servant to her community.
Tameka accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of New Zion Baptist Church. In 2025, she rededicated her life to Christ, renewing her commitment to her faith and strengthening her personal relationship with God. Her faith became an important part of her journey, providing strength, hope, and assurance as she continued to live, love, serve, and care for those God placed in her life.
Of all the roles Tameka held throughout her life, none brought her greater joy than being a mother and grandmother. Her life forever changed when she became the mother of her beloved twins, James Jones and A’Nijah Jones. From that moment forward, Tameka devoted herself to her children. She worked hard, sacrificed, encouraged, protected, and did everything within her power to make sure they had what they needed. Her children were not simply a part of her life—they were at the very center of her heart. Tameka’s heart grew even fuller with the arrival of her grandson, Vesiah Jones-Clark. Becoming a grandmother brought another special dimension of love and joy into her life. Vesiah held a special place in her heart, and she treasured the opportunity to love and spoil him as only a grandmother could.
For Tameka, family was everything. She treasured family gatherings, trips, laughter, celebrations, and even the simple moments spent together. She understood that some of life’s greatest treasures were not things at all, but the memories created with the people you love.
Tameka was educated in the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. She graduated from Jamestown High School with the Class of 2001. Tameka was employed with the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, where she served as Cafeteria Manager for Laurel Lane Elementary School. But to Tameka, her work was about much more than preparing and serving meals. She genuinely cared about every student she encountered and treated each one with the same compassion and concern she would show her own family. Her generous heart extended beyond her workplace. Tameka believed that when you had the ability to help someone, you should. She willingly gave of herself to help feed individuals experiencing homelessness, care for people in need, and serve the students who crossed her path.
Tameka was a faithful member of the Ladies of BEncouraged. She loved her “Sunflower” sisters and was often looked upon for advice, encouragement, and guidance. Whether she was coordinating events, serving behind the scenes, or giving of her time and resources, she brought a special touch and genuine love to everything she did!
Tameka was also committed to making a difference within her community. She faithfully served on the Ironbound Day Committee for more than seven years. Tameka was instrumental in setting up the events, coordinating the food, and ensuring her neighbors were taken care of. Tameka had a heart for people. Her life demonstrated that making a difference does not always require a grand gesture—sometimes it simply requires seeing a need and caring enough to respond.
All who truly knew Tameka knew there was another side of her that could not be overlooked. Tameka loved her Washington Commanders! When her beloved Commanders were playing, Tameka was watching, cheering, and proudly representing her team. She talked smack to her rival fans whether her team won or lost. Her loyalty remained strong, and her enthusiasm and passion for her team were simply part of who she was. Those who loved her will undoubtedly smile whenever the Commanders take the field, remembering the enthusiasm of one of their most loyal fans. Tameka was also a devoted fan of basketball legend Allen Iverson. Sports brought her joy, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities for spirited conversations with family and friends. Tameka lived a life that touched many people, but the greatest evidence of her legacy can be found in the people she loved.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Percy Mason Sr. and Helen Mason, and her cousin, Timothy Haynes.
Tameka leaves to cherish her precious memory and continue her legacy, her beloved twins, James Jones (girlfriend, Neiyah) and A’Nijah Jones; her grandson, Vesiah Jones-Clark; her loving parents, Howard Dandridge III and Annette Mason; a bonus dad, Calvin Marsh; her paternal grandparents, Howard Dandridge Jr. and Roberta Dandridge; her siblings, Sharina Mason and Calvin Mason; her aunts, Gaile Ashby, Priscilla Dandridge, Vonda Thomas, and Angela Bartlett; her uncles, William Coleman, Percy Mason Jr., Timothy Mason, and Harold Mason; her nieces and nephews, LCpl Ernest Ruttley Jr., Kymiya Mason, Emoni Ruttley, and Omari Haynes; cousins whom she loved and cherished as siblings, Camesha Bartlett-Robinson (Bill), Lawanda McGlone, Alesa Simmons, Tiffany Mason, Antwane Robinson, Whitney Mason, James Thomas, Shawn Thomas, and Alkenya Ashby. Tameka’s heart was large enough to embrace family beyond bloodlines. She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved godchildren, Randyonna Brown and Jetadia Cook; her adopted grandchildren, Angel Avant and Linwood Copeland Jr. Tameka was also blessed with special friendships that became an important part of her life’s journey. Among those who will forever treasure the memories they shared with her are Tiffany Christian, LaTonya Parker, and Lana Robertson; her sister cousins, Mary “Pearl Shay” Compton, Isis Jackson, and Hermanda Todd; and a host of extended family members, friends, coworkers, students, Sunflowers, community members, and others whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, generosity, laughter, and unforgettable spirit.
